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Read it, weep, and hit the Stairmaster, bodysuits are taking over fashion nightlife faster than Kim and Kris’s divorce. The fashion world has finally caught up to style icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, who have buttoned, zipped, and snapped their way on stage bearing LOTS of leg in itty-bitty (yes, this is right) bodysuits. Who didn’t drool when Beyoncé appeared at the Super Bowl in a black, detailed and glammed version of her favorite beloved style? And let’s not even get into the serious girl crush nearly everyone under age 28 has on Rihanna.

Alright so you’re not actually going to go out looking like you just stepped off the set of the “Single Ladies” video shoot (or you are at least advised not to). This being said, bodysuits can be used as a tool add a little glam and a lot of Cat Woman-inspired sexiness to an outfit. Pair a bodysuit with skinny jeans, slim fitting pants, or a cute skirt for a night out at a club or bar.

Retail stores like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel feature a variety of styles and colors including long-sleeved, short-sleeved, halter, backless, partial mesh and complete mesh (not recommended, for hopefully obvious reasons). For those fortunate enough, cleavage-revealing bodysuits with mesh lining are especially popular and flattering. For the rest of us lacking in that particular department, backless or styles with mesh on the sides are the way to go.

Some things to remember when endeavoring to wear a bodysuit successfully:

They require bottoms. Don’t even try to pull a J. Lo and walk out of your dorm without at least donning a skirt

If it zips or snaps, make sure it is secure. Needless to say you don’t want anything coming undone while you drop it low on the dance floor.

Wear heels! This is a look that is fun and bold, so you might as well own it and rock a pair of heels at the same time.

You probably need a special bra. Because a lot of these styles are mesh or low-backed, you’ll likely need to invest in an awkward chicken-cutlet looking sticky bra. Your outfit will thank you later.

There are a ton of styles and ways to wear a bodysuit, so mixing, matching, and adding your own unique flare is essential in making this look work for you. Here are some of my personal favorites:

If only we could time warp back to 2007 when life was supremely simpler and wearing just one layer of clothes was the accepted norm. It was a time when a sweater and jeans were proper winter attire and Demi and Ashton defied the sky rocketing Hollywood divorce rate. Jump forward five years to 2012, where winter fashion means donning approximately fifteen sweltering layers and Ashton is just as hated for his infidelity as Chris Brown is for beating Rihanna.

It’s true, who can deny a look that allows us to eat as much of the leftover pumpkin pie and caramel turtles as we want with no indication that there’s a fully formed food baby kicking beneath the depths of clothes? It’s only until you realize each layer acts like a personal heated blanket trapping sweat beneath your Kensie oversized sweater that you begin to rethink the value of layers (and how much you actually need to go to the class that’s conveniently on the opposite side of campus).

Enter the chambray shirt, more commonly known as God’s gift to fashionistas everywhere. Lightweight and virtually impossible to screw up, this jean material top can be thrown on as an under, over, or in-between layer. Colors can range from light to dark wash, ombre, or patterned, and often have stylistic buttons or snaps down the front. Others come studded or with sequins, depending on how versatile and unique you want the look to be.

Chambray can be easily paired with patterns of all kinds, and flawlessly accents knit sweaters to add a preppy feel to any outfit. Layers do look awesome with this shirt, but don’t try and overkill it by throwing on everything in your closet. It can also stand alone as a more polished piece when buttoned and paired with black pants or colored jeans. Add chunky jewelry or an infinity scarf for dimension and color.

Still questioning the magical powers of the chambray shirt? Check out the looks below for a little inspiration.

This week’s must have works worship-able miracles: hiding muffin tops, disguising food babies, and enhancing the smallest part of your waist. Say farewell to the spandex you have depended on for so long (or throw them in the back of your drawer for bar nights with tight dresses) and hello to peplums.

Fitted on top and flaring into loose paneling at the waist, peplums provide a shape that is figure flattering and can be easily paired with skirts and pants. Fear not, for awkward lumps and bumps will be completely hidden by the hourglass shape. So step out of the spandex, finish the last of the Halloween candy and bow down to the shrine of peplum attire that is sure to appear in every online shopping cart.

Peplum skirts and dresses are the perfect way to stay classy when going out. Polished and easy to wear, these pieces look amazing with chunky jewelry and heels. It’s time to make the upgrade from bandage skirts to cute, frilly peplums!

Break out the Amex and clear your schedule for some online or real life shopping. Peplums are hitting the fashion world almost as hard as hurricane Sandy hit the northeast. Here is some inspiration to get you started:

No, you read the title right. It said leather, yes, leather. Leave your poodle skirts behind and start rehearsing the lyrics to “We Go Together,” this week’s must have will transform any sweet and average Sandy into the iconic smoke show we cannot help but drool over at the end of Grease. Biker-chicks of the world rejoice, for leather is the cold weather trend taking a stand this fall, and you don’t need to be tatted up to your helmet hair to pull it off.

Sure we may have been skeptical in the past, but who’s to blame when the few visuals we have of leather-wearing individuals include Hell’s Angels and token guidos? Unless you are an official mobster or currently dedicating your life to fitting into that cat woman costume (more power to you!), head to toe leather is unnecessary, and should be avoided at all costs. Moral of the story: stay classy my friends.

Leather is not only practical, it’s hot! (Literally). In the wind tunnel also known as Storrs, Connecticut, we will do just about anything to shelter ourselves from the cold. This look is not only fashionable, it’s practical! Seriously, what more of an excuse do we need to go shopping?

Here are a few looks to get you started:

Leather piece number one: jacket. When buying a leather jacket, be sure to look for cool zippers and pockets, which only enhance the edginess of this already edgy attire. This can be easily paired with dresses, jeans, and skirts and come in a variety of colors. Extra points go to anyone bold enough to buy a leather jacket with studs. Rihanna will be so proud.

To go even bolder, I bring you leather pants! The tricky part about this look is to be tasteful. Leather pants must be skinny, but not so skinny that you can barely walk in them. Wear these with chunky, simple sweaters and lots of layers for a more casual vibe.

Leather shorts are perfect for nights out at school! High waisted or regular fit, shorts look great over sheer tights and paired with loose shirts. Just make sure your cheeks are covered!

It’s time to face the facts: while they may be temptingly cozy, warm and snuggly with all the qualities of a personal bear cub curled up around each foot, Uggs are fuggs, and should be immediately trashed. Unless you’re in serious hibernation mode, and by hibernation I mean huddled in your dorm with your two best friends Ben and Jerry wearing nothing but your weirdly bleached sweats and glasses (because your contacts are 8 feet away and God knows that’s equivalent to an eternity), the Uggs have met their downfall. Sure we’ve clung to them for years past their expiration date, trying different styles and colors in the hopes that someday they will improve from their state of sheer ugliness, but it’s time to accept fate. So as you painfully make your way to the trash room to say your final goodbyes and a few parting words, I bring you inspiration for a hopeful future.

To move you speedily through denial and past the other four stages of grief, I present the newest crop of fall boots:

First on the must have list: combats baby! Time to get acquainted with your grungy, rock star alter ego and slip your feet into a pair of these army-inspired beauties. It’s a no brainer that combat boots look amazing with skinny jeans and leggings (God Karen you are so stupid!), but to they can also add a sassy edge to skirts and dresses. Grunge and girly compliment each other perfectly, especially when mixed with a bunch of floral layers or slouchy socks. These boots can be worn laced up, folded down, or completely loose and open. However, if you wear combat boots with any form of camo, Regina George (in her army pants and flip flops) will find you and proceed to push you in front of a bus.

Say goodbye to ugly grandma kitten heels and hello to suede wedge booties! Comfortable, sexy, and leg elongating, these cutie little booties fulfill every (short) girl’s dream. Wear them with cuffed boyfriend jeans or colored skinnies for a casual daytime look. A little tomboy mixed with a little prep, this look is sure to amp up any outfit.

Every wardrobe needs a classic pair of shoes that can be turned to during the hardest times: the outfit freak-outs, the sleep through your alarm days, the I-hate-the-world-and-have-no-effort-to-get-out-of-bed days. It is during these dark and hopefully infrequent occurrences that every girl must turn to their trusted camel colored riding boots like they are a shining beacon of hope. Even with the most minimal planning, riding boots always score big in the world of acceptable public clothing.

It’s officially October, which means saying a silent little prayer while simultaneously dancing, lunging and squatting your way into your (definitely) too tight skinny jeans from last season. While you may be dreading the inevitable moment when your pants barely make it past your calves (believe me, we’ve all been there), have no fear. This week’s must have will give you yet another excuse to trash those old jeans and do what we do best: go shopping!

The preppy girl and fall fashionista have met and fallen head over Louboutin heels for pastel colored jeans. It’s time to dig deep (possibly very VERY deep) and let out your inner sorority girl while embracing the turquoises, minty greens and pale pinks of this season (she’ll thank you later). Adding a little prep to your step means doing big things for your fall wardrobe.

Okay so maybe you’re not ready for full-blown bows and pearls, but the key to rocking this style is sticking with a slim fit. Unless you’re trying to be transported back to the 70s (and seriously, no one needs to attain bell-bottomed hippie status again), skinnies are the way to go. Not only are they flattering, but can also easily be tucked into your favorite pair of boots without awkwardly bunching.

Another great thing about colored skinnies is that they can be dressed up. Pair them with some cute pumps or suede wedges and a layered blazer for a style that is sophisticated and chic. Lauren Conrad, fashion goddess and all around worship-able human being, will be so proud.

Because this look is so simple, pastel skinnies give you the creative freedom to wear almost anything! So be bold, get creative, and let your prep flag fly. Check out some of my personal favorites:

Calling any girl who has donned yoga pants and a slightly too casual V-neck tee in an attempt to capture the ever-difficult cozy but cute look. The time has come to put the yoga pants down (I know they are tempting, but you’ll thank me later) and rejoice. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it comes in plaid.

The lumberjack gods have conspired to bring to the world of fashion a fall look that is comfy, cute, sexy…and affordable! That’s right, flannels are in. Unlike its previously butch and masculine history, button-down flannels take a girly stance on fall fashion which have become a wardrobe staple piece. While the shirt itself may not look like the hottest thing out there, flannels are so versatile because they can be dressed up or down with accessories, shoes, and layers.

The key to making a plaid shirt pop is by layering. This style looks great both under and over chunky sweaters, with a chambray shirt, or as a jacket. Flannel shirts usually fall a little longer than the top of the thigh, providing the perfect amount of coverage (check that half-cheek rule!) for leggings and jeans.

The other great part about this style is that it can be totally dressed up, or down, depending on the occasion. As seen below, a flannel shirt paired with skinny leather jeggings, bold heels, and knit sweater creates a chic and edgy vibe, especially when worn with chunky gold accessories.

For those of you in search of a more casual look, grunge chic is the way to go. It’s actually difficult to go wrong with leggings (unless they’re see through, in which case you should not be allowed to step out of your dorm), a cable-knit scarf, and lots of layered tops. If you’re going to go the rock-influenced grunge direction, you have to go big or go home. Take a cue from the beloved Rihanna and rock this look with some serious combat boots, and maybe a few studded pieces here and there if you are feeling really bold.

No matter how you decide to personalize the flannel shirt look, its obvious that this piece is a definite fall must have. If you’re still not inspired (or currently pulling up every online shopping website you can think of) take a look at these:

about shannon

Welcome welcome welcome! As a lover of all things fashion, entertainment and coffee related, I am so excited to share my passions with all of you. I am obsessed with magazines and hope to one day grace the shiny marble floors of a major publication with my clacking stilettos. Until my dream world can become a reality, I remain a student at the University of Connecticut studying journalism. That’s all for me, I hope you love to chit chat as much as we do!

about kelsey

Hey readers! So now that you've read my thoughts, here is a little bit about me. I am in my second year at Northeastern University as a journalism major, and I absolutely love it. I'm vice president of the NU Dance Team and a contributing writer to Woof Magazine (check it out!) I’m obsessed with magazines, the baddest bitch out there, my girl Rihanna, beaches, and fashion {obviously}. I'm currently a Marketing Intern at Shoebuy.com, and hope to continue in fashion marketing, PR or writing. Deuce betches.